Resource recovery from wastes and wastewaters using bioelectrochemical systems

Abstract

Recent scientific and technological advancements in bioelectrochemical system (BES) research have opened up several avenues for realizing the concept of bio-based economy. Current research within this area has been directed toward exploring their applicability to generate a wastewater biorefinery. Valorization of resources in the form of energy, nutrients, metals, and chemicals has been actively exhibited using this technology. This chapter highlights the fundamentals and technological aspects of bioelectrochemical resource recovery from wastes and wastewaters with detailed emphasis on the latest trends of bioelectrorecovery systems (BERSs). Several wastes and wastewater feedstocks are enlisted and classified based on their prospects for resource and energy recovery. Two representative case studies, existing challenges, and a brief overview of the relative advantages and disadvantages of BERSs over alternative resource recovery options are also included. Further, an outlook is given for realizing resource recovery using BESs as a sustainable technology in the domain of energy and resource management. © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.